Mosul dam, Iraq
The Mosul dam in Iraq is notable as it is founded on gypsum, a water soluble rock, typically used in plasterboard the world over.
News reports in 2017 covered the fact that the dam needed permanent maintenance to replace the gypsum rock with concrete and that had not been completed due to ISIS terrorists in the area. Leading to the headline 'Mosul Dam could collapse at any minute 'killing 1.5 million people'.
Built by Saddam Hussein to supply water, the costs of removing gypsum and replacing it would be too high, so an engineered approach was taken, requiring a permanent team of maintenance workers constantly replacing and repairing the dam.
--JC5
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
How to write them and what they should include.
Why it's great to be a civil engineer
Five outstanding aspects of the profession.
The seismic strengthening of historic churches.
ECA Engineering Services Survey
Results show guarded optimism and payment concerns.
Noteworthy navigable aqueducts.
Technology is making remote work a reality.
Carefully placed structures add drama to pastoral vistas.
Making mission impossible...possible!
Report provides actions required by 2030 to achieve a zero carbon economy.
Flat white isn't just for coffee
What type of cool roof is most suitable?
Active Travel programme prioritises cyclists and pedestrians.
CIAT issues caution for use of new standard.
ICE examines Scotland's infrastructure
Industry leaders discuss climate change, the economy and other influences.